Soft Cover Firearm Case Convertible Into A Seat

ABSTRACT

Soft-sided gun case convertible to a seat made from a single cut of fabric in the shape of a rounded rectangle. The rounded rectangle is defined by having a spine down the center of the long axis. Each of the half rounded rectangles is then divided into a plurality of sections. When the rounded rectangle is in the open position, and completely unfolded, it is prepared to have a firearm placed in it and be zipped shut. When the rounded rectangle is in the open position and is desired to be converted into a seat, the sections are folded on themselves to create a rectangular shape that can be zipped closed to retain all the individual sections. The outside surface of the center sections is further comprised of handle affixed to the outer surface at the perimeter of the fabric. On the perimeter of the rounded rectangle a zipper is affixed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/157,070, entitled “Soft Cover Firearm Case Convertible Into A Seat”, filed on May 17, 2016.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/157,070 claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/162,935, entitled “Soft Cover Firearm Case Convertible Into A Seat”, filed on May 18, 2015. The benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of the United States provisional application is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a soft-sided cover or fabric firearm case. More specifically, the present invention relates to a soft-sided cover or fabric firearm case cover convertible into another object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While state laws that govern transporting firearms can vary from one state to the next, it is typically either required or a best practice to transport any firearm, especially a long barred firearm in some type of case. In general firearms cases can be divided into two groups, soft-sided or hard-sided.

Soft-sided cases are quite versatile and have many uses. They are made of a range of fabrics from nylon to neoprene to leather. They have their faults, the biggest being they don't offer the same amount of protection as a hard-sided case. The flip side is the benefits of a soft-sided case. They are usually quiet, lightweight and easy to manage. Many hunters will use a soft case or even a firearm sock, when traveling, as a second case.

Hunters who are unable to use a tree stand or who prefer not to use a tree stand often carry along and use a seat for sitting on tree stumps and rocks during their hunting trips. It is often the case that a hunter will forget to pack their seat before leaving for a trip or will forget to take along the seat once they arrive at their hunting location and begin to unload. Typically the last thing a hunter does before leaving their vehicle or lodging location for a hunt is remove their firearm from its case.

The present invention is highly beneficial to users of tree stands where the firearm is carried to the tree stand in the gun case and tied to a rope upon arrival at the stand. The hunter climbs up to the stand and then pulls the gun up. As space is minimal, once in the stand with the gun removed from the case, there is always an issue of where to then store the case (particularly with rigid or hard cases). With the present invention, the seat portion serves the particularly useful purpose of minimizing storage and also is beneficial for the hunter's comfort on the cold metal (and sometimes icy) tree stand perch/seat.

If the hunter's firearm case was a soft-sided case which could be converted to a seat, it would be unlikely that the hunter would forget to take it with them, especially since it would be light, transportable, and likely the last thing they handle before heading off on their hunt.

Therefore, what is needed is a soft-sided firearms case that is lightweight, transportable, and convertible into a seat, with a clip for affixing it to a belt loop, backpack, or other hunting equipment in a quick and easy manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The soft-sided gun case convertible to a seat is comprised of a single cut of fabric in the shape of a rounded rectangle. The rounded rectangle is defined by having a spine down the center of the long axis, dividing the fabric into two half rounded rectangles that are a mirror image of each other. Each of the half rounded rectangles is then divided into a plurality of sections. When the rounded rectangle is in the open position, and completely unfolded, it is prepared to have a firearm placed in it and be zipped shut.

When the rounded rectangle is in the open position and is desired to be converted into a seat, the sections are folded on themselves to create a rectangular shape that can be zipped closed to retain all the individual sections. In one embodiment, from the open position, the rounded rectangular shape is first folded at a first seam from the left between two end sections and two adjacent sections. The end sections are folded over and onto the adjacent sections. Next the adjacent section is folded at the second seam from the left and the adjacent section and end sections are then folded onto the center sections. The opposing end sections are folded at a fourth seam from the left and onto their adjacent sections. The adjacent sections are then folded at a third seam from the left onto the center sections, which now retain the end and adjacent sections, completing the conversion from rounded rectangle shape to a much smaller rectangle.

The outside surface of the center sections is further comprised of handle affixed to the outer surface at the perimeter of the fabric. On the perimeter of the rounded rectangle a zipper is affixed. When in the folded position, the zipper enables the folded sections to be zipped closed so that they are not capable of being unfolded while still allowing the handle to be exposed for use in carrying the device in its seat configuration. In the unfolded position, the zipper allows a firearm to be placed on one half of the rounded rectangle and the other half folded over the firearm at the spine of the device and zipped closed so that the handle is exposed for use in carrying the firearm and the firearm is securely retained within the soft-sided firearm case configuration of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein a form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the device of the present invention in an unfolded, closed firearm case position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the device of the present invention in an unfolded, open firearm case position.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device of the present invention showing a first fold in converting the device form a soft-sided firearm case to a seat.

FIG. 3 illustrates the device of the present invention showing a second fold in converting the device form a soft-sided firearm case to a seat.

FIG. 4 illustrates the device of the present invention showing a third fold in converting the device form a soft-sided firearm case to a seat.

FIG. 5 illustrates the device of the present invention in a folded seat position with the zipper open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.

Now referring to Figures, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The soft-sided gun case convertible to a seat 100 is comprised of a single cut of lightweight canvas in camo design fabric in the shape of a rounded rectangle. The rounded rectangle is defined by having a plurality of stitches dividing the fabric into three sections 104, 105, and 106. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the center sections 105 is approximately sixteen inches wide, while a first end section 104 is approximately sixteen inches wide, and the opposing end section 106 is approximately sixteen wide. The three sixteen inch sections, when in an open position, are the length of a standard 48 inch gun case. A standard stadium seat is nineteen inches wide, but seat width for cushions and other products typically varies from twelve to twenty-four inches. In this embodiment, the folded seat width would be sixteen inches.

When the rounded rectangle is in the open position, and completely unfolded, it is prepared to have a firearm placed in it and be zipped shut with a zipper.

When the rounded rectangle is in the open position and is desired to be converted into a seat, the sections 104, 105, and 106 are folded on themselves to create a rectangular shape that can be zipped closed to retain all the individual sections.

From the open position, the rounded rectangular shape is first folded at a first stitched seam 102 from the right toward and onto the center section 105. Next the section center section 105 is folded over and onto the opposing end section 104 at the first stitched seam 101. The second center section is folded at the second stitched seam from the right 102 and the adjacent center section 106 and end section 107 are then folded onto the first center section 105.

The invention can be made in any size with any number of seams, as long as the middle sections created by the plurality of seams are the desired width for a seat and all adjacent or end sections to the center sections are shorter in length so as to not overhang when folded.

When necessary, any section of the invention may be further comprised of ¼″ polyester foam padding 103 to providing additional seat comfort or protection of an enclosed firearm.

Typically, each section of the invention has ¼″ polyester foam padding attached to the single cut of lightweight canvas in camouflage design fabric, or the fabric may be purchased or provided with a ¼″ polyester foam padding attached to from the supplier before it is cut to shape.

The invention may be constructed from one or more layers of fabric and cushion an may even be made in an ultra-light version comprising less padding to reduce weight, size, and allow for easier transportation or storage in a backpack, pocket, etc.

Due to the specific sizes of each section, when the sections are folded upon themselves in this manner and order the footprint of the device is now sixteen inches long by twenty-four inches wide compared to fifty-six inches long and twenty-four inches wide. One final fold along the spine 108 of the device transforms the device into sixteen inches long by nine inches wide, a desirable size for a padded seat cushion. The sections then become layers that provide the cushion to a user sitting on the folded firearm case now converted to a seat when used in that manner.

The outside surface of the center sections is further comprised of handle affixed to the outer surface at the perimeter of the fabric. A handle 107 is provided on each center section and can be permanently affixed to the center section by sewing at or near the perimeter of each center section, or for providing more support and carrying ability be comprised of a strip of fabric that starts on one center section perimeter and extends and forms a loop to the opposing center section perimeter location and comes back to complete a loop at the originating center section perimeter resulting in a handle that gives more support to the center section, especially when a heave firearm is being transported in the firearm case position of the device.

A removable clip 109 can be affixed to one of the handles 107 for engaging a belt loop in a temporary manner to provide a means for carrying the firearm case in a hands free manner when it is in the folded seat position.

On the perimeter of the rounded rectangle a zipper 113 is affixed. When in the folded position, the zipper 113 enables the folded sections 104, 105, and 106 to be zipped closed so that they are not capable of being unfolded while still allowing the handle to be exposed for use in carrying the device in its seat configuration.

In the unfolded position, the zipper 113 allows a firearm to be placed on one half of the rounded rectangle and the other half folded over the firearm at the spine 108 of the device and zipped closed so that the handle 107 is exposed for use in carrying the firearm and the firearm is securely retained within the soft-sided firearm case configuration of the device. A carabineer or other removable clip 109 is also included that can attach the handle 107 to a belt loop.

In another embodiment, grommets 110 may be attached in the corners to provide additional attachment points for caribeener or other removable clips 109.

In addition to or as a replacement to the zipper, a series of snaps 110 may also be located on the sections to hold the device in a closed, seat position when folded.

Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A soft-sided gun case convertible to a seat comprising: a single cut of fabric in the shape of a rounded rectangle; the rounded rectangle is defined by having a spine down a center of the long axis, dividing the fabric into two half rounded rectangle that are a mirror image of each other; each of the half rounded rectangles is then divided into a plurality of sections; adjacent sections are immediately adjacent to the center sections and between the center sections and end sections; each half rounded rectangle is further comprised of an end section; when the rounded rectangle is in the open position, and completely unfolded, the soft-sided gun case is prepared to have a firearm placed in the soft-sided gun case and be zipped shut; and when the rounded rectangle is in the open position and is desired to be converted into a seat, the adjacent sections and the end sections are folded on themselves to create a rectangular shape that is zipped closed to retain all the individual sections.
 2. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein each of the half rounded rectangles is then divided into three sections, a first end section, a center section, and a second opposing end section.
 3. The soft-sided gun case of claim 2, wherein from the open position, the rounded rectangular shape is first folded at a first stitched seam from the right toward and onto the center section; next the section center section is folded over and onto the opposing end section at the first stitched seam; the second center section is folded at the second stitched seam from the right; and the adjacent center section and end section are then folded onto the first center section.
 4. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein each of the half rounded rectangles is then divided into five sections, a first end section, a first adjacent section, a center section, a second adjacent section, and a second opposing end section.
 5. The soft-sided gun case of claim 4, wherein from the open position, the rounded rectangular shape is first folded at a first seam from the left between two end sections and two adjacent sections; the end sections are folded over and onto the adjacent sections; the adjacent section is folded at the second seam from the left and the adjacent section and end sections are then folded onto the center sections; the opposing end sections are folded at a fourth seam from the left and onto their adjacent sections; the adjacent sections are then folded at a third seam from the left onto the center sections, which now retain the end and adjacent sections, completing the conversion from rounded rectangle shape to a smaller rectangle shape.
 6. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein each end section is six inches wide.
 7. The soft-sided gun case of claim 2, wherein the smaller rectangle shape that is twenty four inches wide and now sixteen inches long compared to fifty-six inches long.
 8. The soft-sided gun case of claim 7, wherein one final fold along the spine of the device transforms the device into sixteen inches long by twelve inches wide.
 9. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein the outside surface of the center sections is further comprised of handle affixed to the outer surface at the perimeter of the fabric.
 10. The soft-sided gun case of claim 9, wherein a removable carabineer is affixed to one of the handles for engaging a belt loop in a temporary manner.
 11. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein on the perimeter of the rounded rectangle a zipper is affixed.
 12. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein when in the folded position, a zipper enables the folded sections to be zipped closed so that they are not capable of being unfolded while still allowing the handle to be exposed for use in carrying the device in its seat configuration.
 13. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein in the unfolded position, a zipper allows a firearm to be placed on one half of the rounded rectangle and the other half folded over the firearm at the spine of the device and zipped closed so that the handle is exposed for use in carrying the firearm and the firearm is securely retained within the soft-sided firearm case configuration of the device.
 14. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein the single cut of fabric is further comprised of a ¼″ polyester foam padding attached to one side surface of the single cut of fabric.
 15. The soft-sided gun case of claim 1, wherein the single cut of fabric is a lightweight canvas with a camouflage design appearance. 